Pay careful attention, then, to how you live — not as unwise people but as wise — making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

Reflection: Walking is not a simple action, although it looks simple. Living as God’s household is not a simple action either – but, when it works, it is wonderfully simple in its goodness. As Paul starts to round out his letter to the Ephesian Christians, he turns his attention to their households – the big one of God (5:15-21), and each of their individual ones (5:22-6:9). This is so important because of the times we live in – even the nitty-gritty of our everyday lives matters. We must not waste a moment. We must be wise, navigating the world as God designed it. Amongst God’s household as they gather, this means that we are ‘speaking’ God’s word to each other, ‘singing and making music’ to God, ‘thanking’ God for everything, and ‘serving’ each other constantly. That is not easy, is it? That is why Paul has made sure we know the resource God has given to us to make it work – he himself will live with his household to achieve this aim (v.18)

Question: Take one of those ‘-ing’ words of verses 19-20, and spend some time writing down what that might look like for you as you spend time with God’s household this week.

Prayer:Father, you have welcomed us into your household. And the days we live in are limited, often broken and we desperately need wisdom. Thank you that you dwell with us by your Spirit to make your people a wise household. Amen.

Nice work!

Anyone who puts God's Word into practice is like a wise person who built their house on the rock.